Snowbird-Bomber Traverse Hike in Hatcher Pass, Alaska (2026 Update)
This iconic hut-to-hut loop in the Talkeetna Mountains remains one of Alaska’s premier backcountry adventures: stunning glaciers, alpine lakes, boulder fields, and the historic wreckage of a 1957 B-29 bomber crash on Bomber Glacier. The route forms a ~15-mile loop starting/ending at the Reed Lakes Trailhead, with options for 2–4 days. As of early 2026, the trail is in good condition during summer, huts are maintained and open (with minor issues like a leaking stove at Bomber Hut), and the bomber wreckage is still accessible (though exposure varies with snow cover).
Best time: July–September (snow-free glaciers, ripe berries, stable weather). Archangel Road to the trailhead typically opens July 1 and closes mid-September.
Route Overview (Snowbird to Bomber Direction – Recommended)
- Day 1: Reed Lakes Trailhead → Snowbird Mine Ruins → Glacier Pass → Snowbird Glacier → Snowbird Hut (~7–8 miles, strenuous ascent to pass).
- Day 2: Snowbird Hut → Snowbird Lake → Bartholf Creek crossing → Bomber Hut (~5–6 miles, bushwhacking/bouldering; creek can be high – sidehill to avoid wet crossings).
- Day 3: Bomber Hut → Bomber Glacier (detour to wreckage) → Bomber Pass (fixed rope) → Upper/Lower Reed Lakes → Trailhead (~5 miles, steep/loose descent).
Difficulty: Strenuous – off-trail navigation, glacier crossings (microspikes/crampons recommended early season), steep passes, boulder fields, creek ford, potential bushwhacking. Route-finding essential; download offline maps (AllTrails/Caltopo).
Huts & Camping
- Snowbird Hut (American Alpine Club): Dome-shaped, free (donations appreciated), first-come. Cozy interior with bunks.
- Bomber Hut (Mountaineering Club of Alaska): Requires MCA membership (~$30/year). Minor maintenance note: Coleman stove leaking (bring backup).
- Camping plentiful (e.g., near lakes); bring tent as huts fill on weekends.
Access & Logistics
- Drive ~1 hour north of Anchorage to Hatcher Pass → Archangel Road (gravel, potholes – high-clearance helpful).
- $5 day parking or Alaska State Parks pass.
- No permits needed for hiking.
Safety Notes
- Bears/moose common → carry spray, make noise.
- Glaciers: Watch for crevasses (rare but present); early season snow bridges.
- Weather changes fast; avalanches possible on passes.
- Cell service spotty → InReach/satellite device recommended.
- Creek crossings hazardous in high water (late June/early July melt).
This traverse offers raw Alaskan beauty – turquoise lakes, vast glaciers, and historic wreckage – with hut comfort. Fit hikers love it; prepare thoroughly! Check MCA/AAC sites for latest hut updates.